Garden Chatter Fall 2011
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Dear Guests and Friends,

 
I had a good laugh recently reading about the need to downsize the
famous Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in response to
the worldwide need to balance our budgets. After all, who today really
needs all eight maids a-milking? Seven swans a-swimming sounds
frivolous and, with the price of gold these days, maybe we can live with
two and not five golden rings.

Obviously serious issues like our federal budget command our attention but we must not allow angst to permeate into every facet of life, especially over the holidays. The great value of Thanksgiving and Christmas allows us to turn our attention to things of greater worth; family, faith, charity, friendship, hospitality and good cheer. Thank God for Thanksgiving and Christmas so we can, at least once a year, spend
more time caroling and less time reacting to front page issues.

Here at Moody Gardens we accidentally re-discovered the value of the holidays with our launch of the Festival of Lights ten years ago. It has been a great success but we were not prepared for the profound emotional impact it has had on those of us who work here.

For a nominal gate fee, Christmas provides the motive and Moody
Gardens provides the setting. While visitors may not fully realize it at
the time, they come from all over to experience the Festival of Lights
and ultimately, to celebrate life with each other. For a few precious
hours, people by the hundreds come to focus on things of lasting worth;
time with their family and friends. Guests love to watch the lights. We
love to watch the guests. The light displays are beautiful, however the
smiles, hugs and laughter shared among family and friends are riceless…and a joy to witness.

So, you can have my vote to cut 5% out of the federal budget but, as for me, I’m perfectly fine with ten lords a-leaping and nine ladies
dancing! We’d love to see you here at Moody Gardens over the holidays
and I wish you and your family the best this season.

   Cheers,

Garvin O’neil

General Manager